The Indian auto sector has undergone a remarkable transformation since 1947. Initially, car ownership was a luxury, but the industry had already begun to take shape. Companies such as Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hindustan Motors, and Premier existed. The 1950s and 1960s were marked by slow growth due to import restrictions and limited industrial development, which restricted the availability of vehicles and limited choices. Hindustan Motors and its Ambassador car made a significant impact from the 1960s to the 1980s, becoming a status symbol and challenging foreign brands. The 1980s saw Maruti’s emergence as a major player, posing a serious challenge to Hindustan Motors’ dominance. The Maruti 800, launched in 1983, revolutionized the industry, making car ownership accessible to the middle class with its affordability, ease of maintenance, and fuel efficiency. Economic reforms in 1991 opened the market to foreign investors, with companies like Hyundai, Honda, and Toyota entering India. Simultaneously, domestic companies like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra launched successful SUVs, indicating a change in market trends.
